Amateur Radio Emergency Services

Amateurs participate on a statewide level in training and operation so that they are ... PREPARED for any (or at least most!) Emergencies. The main goal of ARES is to provide ... COMMUNICATIONS between groups which ordinarily do not have radio contact, but need it during an ... EMERGENCY

Winona Area Emergency Preparedness Net

Service is a key word in the title of the group we as individuals are involved in. 'The Amateur Radio Service.' has a rich tradition of involvement in our nations and communities affairs during times of disaster, community projects, and celebrations.

We need to review our emergency communications capability and to strengthen our abilities as communicators if we are to continue to be of service to our communities. With the explosion of growth in the amateur radio service in the last few years, the newer hams have expressed an interest in being better prepared to communicate effectively. With the advent of new technologies new threats to our communities appear on the horizon every day. Hazardous materials such as chemicals and radioactive materials are used in or pass through our community frequently. We need to be prepared to meet the challenge of doing our part (communicating) should a emergency involving these materials, a national emergency, or should a natural disaster arise. An established network of communications and disciplined communication practices are vital to the continued well being of our community. By learning new methods of communicating, such as packet and other digital methods, and practicing proven methods of ham radio operation, we will continually upgrade our ability as hams. Learning to cooperate with one another in the amateur service, and with professional service groups such as the law enforcement and fire services will enable us to serve our community into the future.